U.S. patent application number 09/836007 was filed with the patent office on 2001-11-01 for dual size plumbing end cap.
Invention is credited to Hanna, John, Rahimzadeh, Rick.
Application Number | 20010035223 09/836007 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26893501 |
Filed Date | 2001-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010035223 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rahimzadeh, Rick ; et
al. |
November 1, 2001 |
Dual size plumbing end cap
Abstract
A dual size plumbing end cap is disclosed which capable of
sealing the end of two sizes of pipe includes a fluid impervious
membrane having a first cylindrical wall extending therefrom and
configured to envelop an end of a pipe having a first diameter and,
cooperatively with the membrane, seal the end of the pipe. A second
cylindrical wall is associated with the membrane and has a diameter
which is larger than the first wall. The second wall is configured
to envelop an end of a second pipe having a second diameter and,
cooperatively with membrane, seal the end of the second pipe. The
end cap may include a test fitting which extends through the
membrane and is configured to securely connect to a test gauge, air
source, or water source.
Inventors: |
Rahimzadeh, Rick; (Woodland
Hills, CA) ; Hanna, John; (Newberry Park,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Scott W. Kelley
Kelly Bauersfeld Lowry & Kelley, LLP
Suite 1650
6320 Canoga Avenue
Woodland Hills
CA
91367
US
|
Family ID: |
26893501 |
Appl. No.: |
09/836007 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60198136 |
Apr 17, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
138/96R ;
138/96T |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L 55/115 20130101;
F16L 25/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
138/96.00R ;
138/96.00T |
International
Class: |
F16L 057/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A plumbing end cap, comprising: a fluid impervious membrane; a
first cylindrical wall extending from the membrane and configured
to envelop an end of a first pipe having a first diameter and,
cooperatively with the membrane, seal the end of the first pipe;
and a second cylindrical wall associated with the membrane having a
diameter which is larger than the first cylindrical wall and
configured to envelop an end of a second pipe having a second
diameter and, cooperatively with the membrane, seal the end of the
second pipe.
2. The plumbing end cap of claim 1, including a test fitting
extending through the membrane and being configured to securely
connect to a test gauge, air source or water source.
3. The plumbing end cap of claim 1, wherein the first and second
walls are comprised of a flexible material, the first or second
wall being secured to the first or second pipe with a clamp
surrounding an outer surface of the first or second wall.
4. The plumbing end cap of claim 1, wherein inner surfaces of the
first and second walls include protruding ridges configured to
secure the first or second walls to the end of the first or second
pipe.
5. The plumbing end cap of claim 1, wherein inner surfaces of the
first and second walls include internal threads configured to mate
with external threads of the first or second pipe.
6. The plumbing end cap of claim 1, wherein the first and second
walls extend from opposite surfaces of the membrane.
7. The plumbing end cap of claim 1, wherein the first and second
walls extend from the same surface of the membrane so as to be
concentric.
8. The plumbing end cap of claim 7, wherein the first wall is of
greater length than the second wall.
9. The plumbing end cap of claim 1, wherein the second cylindrical
wall extends in stepped fashion from the first cylindrical
wall.
10. A plumbing end cap, comprising: a fluid impervious membrane; a
first cylindrical wall extending from the membrane and configured
to envelop an end of a first pipe having a first diameter and,
cooperatively with the membrane, seal the end of the first pipe; a
second cylindrical wall associated with the membrane having a
diameter which is larger than the first cylindrical wall and
configured to envelop an end of a second pipe having a second
diameter and, cooperatively with the membrane, seal the end of the
second pipe; and a test fitting extending through the membrane
configured to securely connect to a test gauge, air source or water
source.
11. The plumbing end cap of claim 1, wherein the first and second
walls are comprised of a flexible material, the first or second
wall being secured to the first or second pipe with a clamp
surrounding an outer surface of the first or second wall.
12. The plumbing end cap of claim 10, wherein inner surfaces of the
first and second walls include protruding ridges configured to
secure the first or second walls to the end of the first or second
pipe.
13. The plumbing end cap of claim 10, wherein inner surfaces of the
first and second walls include internal threads configured to mate
with external threads of the first or second pipe.
14. The plumbing end cap of claim 10, wherein the first and second
walls extend from opposite surfaces of the membrane.
15. The plumbing end cap of claim 10, wherein the first and second
walls extend from the same surface of the membrane so as to be
concentric.
16. The plumbing end cap of claim 15, wherein the first wall is of
greater length than the second wall.
17. The plumbing end cap of claim 10, wherein the second
cylindrical wall extends in stepped fashion from the first
cylindrical wall.
18. The plumbing end cap of claim 10, wherein the test fitting is
externally threaded for connection to a test gauge, air source or
water source.
19. The plumbing end cap of claim 10, wherein the test fitting
includes internal threads for connection to a test gauge, air
source or water source.
20. A plumbing end cap, comprising: a fluid impervious membrane; a
first flexible, cylindrical wall extending from the membrane and
configured to envelop an end of a first pipe having a first
diameter and, cooperatively with the membrane, seal the end of the
first pipe; a second flexible, cylindrical wall associated with the
membrane having a diameter which is larger than the first
cylindrical wall and configured to envelop an end of a second pipe
having a second diameter and, cooperatively with the membrane, seal
the end of the second pipe; and a clamp surrounding an outer
surface of the first or second walls to secure the first or second
wall to the respective first or second pipe.
21. The plumbing end cap of claim 20, including a test fitting
extending through the membrane and being configured to securely
connect to a test gauge, air source or water source.
22. The plumbing end cap of claim 20, wherein inner surfaces of the
first and second walls include protruding ridges configured to
secure the first or second walls to the end of the first or second
pipe.
23. The plumbing end cap of claim 20, wherein the first and second
walls extend from opposite surfaces of the membrane.
24. The plumbing end cap of claim 20, wherein the first and second
walls extend from the same surface of the membrane so as to be
concentric.
25. The plumbing end cap of claim 24, wherein the first wall is of
greater length than the second wall.
26. The plumbing end cap of claim 20, wherein the second
cylindrical wall extends in stepped fashion from the first
cylindrical wall.
27. The plumbing end cap of claim 20, including prongs extending
from an outer surface of the first and second walls for positioning
the clamp.
28. A plumbing end cap, comprising: a fluid impervious membrane; a
wall extending from the membrane in stepped fashion to define a
first cylindrical wall and a second cylindrical wall of greater
diameter, the first cylindrical wall being configured to accept an
end of a first pipe having a first diameter and, cooperatively with
the membrane, seal the end of the first pipe, the second
cylindrical wall being configured to accept an end of a second pipe
having a second diameter and, cooperatively with the membrane, seal
the end of the second pipe.
29. The plumbing end cap of claim 28, wherein an inner surface of
the first and second walls include protruding ridges configured to
secure the first or second walls to the end of the first or second
pipe.
30. The plumbing end cap of claim 28, wherein the inner surface of
the first and second walls include internal threads configured to
mate with external threads of the first or second pipe.
31. The plumbing end cap of claim 28, including a test fitting
extending through the membrane and being configured to securely
connect to a test gauge, air source or water source.
32. The plumbing end cap of claim 28, wherein the first and second
walls are comprised of a flexible material, the first or second
wall being secured to the first or second pipe with a clamp
surrounding an outer surface of the first or second wall.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from provisional
application Ser. No. 60/198,136, filed Apr. 17, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to closures for
threaded and unthreaded piping and cylindrical members. More
particularly, the present invention is a dual-size cap which is
comprised of piping materials approved for use by current plumbing
codes and standard practices to cap a single pipe end, but capable
of accommodating two different pipe sizes.
[0003] There are many instances in construction, as well as by
service technicians and homeowners to temporarily or permanently
cap a pipe. In some instances the pipe has not yet been exposed,
such as a water service or sewer line below grade, or beneath a
home. This would be an instance where a service technician would be
better equipped to handle the job without making an extra trip to
the hardware store or supply house after the pipe is exposed.
[0004] Generally, the ends of pipes are capped in accordance to the
type of piping material it is capping. Copper tubing ends are
generally capped using a solder welded copper cap. Plastic pipe
ends are generally closed with a solvent weld plastic cap. Plain
and threaded end piping may be capped using an elastomeric
material, which is slipped over the pipe end and sealed with a
clamping device.
[0005] The purpose of capping pipe ends is numerous. For example,
in plumbing residential and commercial structures, a series of
plumbing systems are installed. There are separate systems for
waste and waste vents, hot and cold potable water, natural or
liquid gas, landscaping water, roof and storm water drainage and
fire sprinkler water, to name the most common. After each stage of
installation of these systems is completed, they must be tested and
approved by local building authorities. The ends of all piping
outlets must be temporarily capped and sealed to allow pressure to
be applied to these systems, generally by the use of water or air,
to expose possible installation and or material defects. After
successful completion of the tests, the systems are drained, the
caps are removed and the next stage of installation is resumed.
This process is repeated until the project is completed.
[0006] With the multitude of plumbing systems comes a multitude of
pipe sizes. Each plumbing system has several pipe sizes which are
determined by load calculations set forth by plumbing engineers and
plumbing codes. Unfortunately, the trade person must carry a number
of cap sizes to complete the testing of all these systems. For
example, in a small three bathroom residence there are generally
four common pipe sizes for the waste and vent system, 11/2", 2", 3"
and 4". There are generally four common sizes for the water system,
1/2", 3/4", 1" 11/4", There are generally five common pipe sizes
for the gas system, 1/2", 3/4", 1" 11/4" and 11/2" and there are
generally three common pipe sizes for landscape water, 1/2", 3/4",
1". Generally each plumbing system uses a different piping material
and installation method.
[0007] The diverse amount of material required by the trade person
to complete a small project is staggering. Testing for a small
project described above requires approximately ten to twenty caps,
varying in size, whereas a commercial building such as a medical
facility or a hotel requires hundreds of caps. The pipe sizes in a
commercial building increase as the demand on the systems increase.
Their pipe sizes may generally range from 11/2" through 8" for
waste and vent systems, 1/2" through 6" for potable water systems,
1/2" through 3" for gas systems and 2" through 8" for the storm
water system. Capping products are typically used numerous times
before discarding, resulting in an accumulation in the service
vehicle or warehouse.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for a plumbing end cap which is
capable of capping pipes of two different sizes. Such a cap should
be configured to be used on a variety of ends of pipes, and capable
of being constructed of various types of materials. The present
invention fulfills this need and provides other related
advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The plumbing end cap of the present invention can be used as
a temporary or permanent cap to terminate pipe ends. The plumbing
end cap generally comprises a fluid impervious membrane, having a
first cylindrical wall extending therefrom. The first wall is
configured to envelop an end of a first pipe having a first
diameter and, cooperatively with the membrane, seal the end of the
first pipe. A second cylindrical wall is associated with the
membrane and has a diameter which is larger than the first wall.
The second wall is configured to envelop an end of a second pipe
having a second diameter and, cooperatively with the membrane, seal
the end of the second pipe.
[0010] The plumbing end cap may include a test fitting extending
through the membrane. The test fitting includes external or
internal threads so as to be configured to securely connect to a
test gauge, or water source.
[0011] The first and second walls may be comprised of a relatively
durable material, such as hardened plastic or metal. Inner surfaces
of the first and second walls may include internal threads which
are configured to mate with external threads of the first or second
pipe which the end cap is to be attached to. The inner surfaces of
the walls may alternatively include protruding ridges which are
configured to secure the walls to an end of the first or second
pipe.
[0012] The first and second walls may alternatively be comprised of
a flexible material. In such an embodiment, a clamp surrounds an
outer surface of the first or second wall to secure it to the first
or second pipe end. Prongs may extend from an outer surface of
either the first or second wall for positioning the clamp.
[0013] The plumbing end cap of the present invention can be
designed with varying configurations. For example, the first and
second may extend from opposite surfaces of the membrane.
Alternatively, the first and second walls may extend from the same
surface of the membrane, so as to be concentric. In such instance,
the first wall is often of greater length than the second wall. In
yet another embodiment, a wall extends from the member in stepped
fashion to define a first cylindrical wall, and second cylindrical
wall of greater diameter. The first cylindrical wall is configured
to accept an end of a first pipe, while the second wall is
configured to accept an end of a second pipe having a different
diameter. Regardless of the configuration, the plumbing end cap of
the present invention is designed to permanently or temporarily
seal two different pipe sizes.
[0014] In the case of the homeowner, the plumbing end cap of the
present invention is of great assistance. Many pipe sizes are very
similar making it difficult for the homeowner to determine the
proper cap to purchase. Often the pipe can not be removed as a
reference of size, so the homeowner is left with a choice of either
purchasing two or three caps, or purchasing one cap and possibly
making return trips to the store. A novel plumbing end cap with two
pipe sizes in ascending order would take all the guesswork out of
the purchase. For example, if a homeowner had a water line in the
ground, which is no longer in use and wanted to terminate the line,
he would expose the pipe and try to determine its size. For
example, if the pipe is 1/2" steel threaded pipe, the homeowner
would go to the hardware store and try to determine what he or she
saw in the ground. By having one cap that is 1/2" and 3/4", and
another cap which is 1" and 11/4", the choice would be easy. The
1/2" and the 1" pipe sizes are substantially different.
[0015] The novel plumbing end cap of the present invention is also
an attempt at lessening the amount of inventory required by the
trade person to complete his or her job. The invention allows the
trade person to order a single end cap, knowing it will have the
ability to handle two pipe sizes. Because the invention covers only
two pipe sizes, it remains inexpensive to the trade person and
homeowner, and reduces overbuying and overstocking of caps.
Furthermore, this invention could reduce the overall inventory of
the wholesale supplier and the retailer by elimination inventory of
individual size caps, replacing them with a dual size cap, when
shelf storage space is limited.
[0016] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plumbing end cap embodying
the present invention and having clamps thereon shown in
phantom;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention having internal threads;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plumbing end cap similar
to FIG. 3, but having smooth inner surfaces;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
5-5 of FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of
the present invention having a test fitting incorporated
therein;
[0024] FIG. 7 is cross-sectional view taken generally along line
7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is perspective view of another plumbing end cap
embodying the present invention and having a test fitting
incorporated therein;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
9-9 of the FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 10 is another plumbing end cap embodying the present
invention, and having clamps illustrated in phantom thereon;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a plumbing end cap
similar to FIG. 10, but having a test fitting associated
therewith;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of yet another plumbing end
cap embodying the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a plumbing end cap
similar to FIG. 12, but having internal threads;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of yet another plumbing end
cap embodying the present invention, and illustrating clamps
thereon in phantom;
[0032] FIG. 15 is cross-sectional view taken generally along line
15-15;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a plumbing end cap similar
to FIG. 14, but having smooth internal surfaces, and a test fitting
associated therewith; and
[0034] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line
1717 of FIG. 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the present
invention is concerned with a dual size plumbing end cap, generally
referred to by the reference number 10 in FIGS. 1 and 2, by the
reference number 12 in FIGS. 3-5, by the reference number 14 in
FIGS. 6-9, by the reference number 16 in FIGS. 10 and 11, by the
reference number 18 in FIGS. 12 and 13, and by the reference number
20 in FIGS. 14-17.
[0036] In the following descriptions, like reference numbers refer
to corresponding illustrations throughout several views and
variations of the present invention. In the following descriptions,
it is to be understood that such terms as "right, left, top,
bottom, inside and outside" and the like are words of convenience
and are not to be construed as limiting terms.
[0037] Caps 10-20 of the present invention have two specific pipe
sizes per cap. Each dual sized cap 10-20 will generally, but not
limited to be, in sequential order of current standard piping sizes
used in construction, testing, maintenance and repairs of
residential, commercial and industrial piping systems and
equipment. The intended use of the dual size cap 10-20 is not to
cap two pipe ends simultaneously, but is intended to cap an
individual pipe end. Each dual sized cap 10-20 is designed to cap
one pipe end per use. Depending upon the cap material, the cap
10-20 will be reusable for future applications. Each single bodied,
dual cap 10-20 will be referred to by commonly used pipe sizes,
such as 3" and 4". Each side of the cap 10-20 will be assigned a
size that corresponds loosely to the actual size of the cap
opening.
[0038] With reference to FIG. 1, a dual cap 10 is shown with a
first wall 22 defining a cap of a first diameter on the left and a
second wall 24 defining a larger diameter cap on the right. A
smaller pipe would enter from the left and a larger pipe would
enter from the right. The center portion of the cap 10 is a fluid
impervious solid membrane 26 separating the two different cap
sizes. This particular cap 10 is primarily constructed of a
synthetic rubber material depressed to fit a smooth pipe end. On
the exterior of the cylinder portion of the cap would be a
commercially available worm drive type clamp 28, which would
tighten the cap 10 against the outside wall of the pipe it is
capping. Because there are only two pipe sizes in sequential order,
the difference in the two diameters would be minimal, allowing only
one clamp 28 to be used, which would accommodate both the larger
and smaller pipe diameters. The clamp 28 would be moved to the
proper position depending on the pipe size requiring capping. The
cap 10 could also be offered with two clamps 28, one per each pipe
size. The membrane 26 and the sides of the embodiment would be of
the thickness to withstand the pressure the cap 10 is designed to
hold.
[0039] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the interior of the
smaller cap 22 shows two ridges 30. The ridges 30 are again shown
in FIG. 2, on the smaller and larger diameter caps 22 and 24. These
ridges 30 are to assist in the holding strength of the cap 22 or 24
when withstanding excessive pressures which under normal operating
and testing conditions, build up in plumbing systems and the like.
The two ridges 30 located on the interior surface of each cap 22 or
24 are only an example of a rough interior surface meant to secure
and seal the inserted pipe, and is not intended to limit the
invention to other means of rough interior surfaces.
[0040] The exterior of each cap 22 and 24 has prongs 32 emanating
from the body of the cap 10. These prongs 32 are useful in aligning
the clamp 28 for tightening. They are also helpful for preventing
the loose clamps 28 from being lost or separated from the cap 10
when not in use, during shipping, transport and storage.
[0041] With reference to FIGS. 3-5, a second embodiment of a dual
cap 12 is shown having a first wall 22 defining a smaller diameter
cap on the left and a second wall 24 defining a larger diameter cap
on the right. The smaller pipe size would enter from the left and
the larger diameter on the right. With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.
5, this embodiment of a dual cap 12 has a tapered female threaded
34 interior to accept male tapered pipe threads. FIG. 5 clearly
shows the center membrane 26 separating the sequential pipe sizes.
This particular cap 12 is primarily constructed of steel, brass or
plastic and can accommodate a variety of pipe threads depending
upon its purpose. Threaded pipe and fittings are commonly used in
plumbing systems to convey materials such as air, water, natural
gas and liquid gas. For example, "Standard Iron Pipe Size, I.P.S."
or "Compression Threads". An example of common size dual caps for
I.P.S. would be 1/2" and 3/4" or 3/4" and 1" I.P.S. An example of
common size dual caps for Compression Thread caps would be 1/8" and
1/4" or {fraction (5/16)}" and 3/8" compression. All threads used
for the present invention would comply with national and
international thread specifications.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 4, the dual sized cap 12 can be
designed with a smooth interior surface 36. The interior cap
diameter walls 22 and 24 will be a continual cylindrical diameter
from the entry point of the pipe to the center membrane 26, where
the pipe would butt. A smaller diameter pipe would be inserted from
the left and a larger diameter pipe would be inserted from the
right. This particular cap 12 will be constructed of copper and a
variety of plastics. These caps are primarily designed to
accommodate solder or solvent weld piping, for example, welded
copper pipe and glued plastic pipe. Copper tubing and plastic
piping with soldered and glued joints is commonly used in plumbing
systems to convey materials such as air water and waste. Standard
copper tubing and plastic pipe sizes could vary depending on the
system being served. Commonly used pipe sizes can vary from 5/8"
through 12", depending on the system being served. Examples of dual
cap sizes for FIG. 4 using copper tubing and plastic piping could
be as small as 5/8" and 7/8", 1/2" and 3/4", 3/4" and 1", and as
large as 8" and 10", 10" and 12". There are a number of very
commonly used pipe sizes other than the example sizes. The sizes
used in the example are not meant to be limiting, but is meant to
be enlightening to the need of a dual sized cap.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 6, a dual cap 14 is shown with a
first wall 22 defining a smaller diameter cap on the left and a
second wall 24 defining a larger diameter cap on the right. The
smaller pipe size would enter from the left and the larger pipe
size from the right. The center membrane 26 would act as the
stopping point for both diameter pipe ends. The material and
fastener would be that of the embodiment described in FIG. 1. At
the center of this membrane 26 would be a test fitting 38
preferably constructed, but not limited to, brass, metal or
plastic. This fitting 38 would be molded into the membrane 26
and/or locked in place by the use of threads, lock nuts 40 and
washers 42. This fitting 38 would have a standard tapered Female
Iron Pipe Thread 44 (F.I.P.) pattern in the center. FIG. 7
illustrates the cross-sectional view of this embodiment which shows
the fitting 38 locked in place. Both the smaller and the larger
sized cap 22 and 24 of this embodiment would have a tapered F.I.P.
thread facing outward, which would enable a standard tapered Male
Iron pipe (M.I.P.) fitting or pipe thread to be screwed and sealed
in place. The tapered M.I.P. pipe or fitting would be removable and
interchangeable depending on the cap size being utilized.
[0044] For example, if a plumber was testing a drainage system of a
residence containing the pipe sizes 11/2", 2", 3" and 4" (pipe
sizes commonly found in almost all homes constructed in the United
States) the following sequence would occur. The plumber would cap
all pipe ends on the system using single or dual end caps. He or
she would then find the most convenient pipe end to fill the system
from. If the pipe end chosen would be a 3" pipe, he or she would
choose the 3".times.4" dual cap 14 with test fitting 38, from their
stock. The 3" cap 22 would be fastened to the pipe, exposing the
unused 4" cap 24 with a tapered F.I.P. thread 44 facing outward. If
the pipe end chosen was a 4" pipe, the same 3".times.4" cap 14 with
test fitting 38 would be chosen, and the 4" cap 24 would be
fastened to the pipe, exposing the 3" unused cap 22 with a tapered
F.I.P. thread 44 facing outward.
[0045] Depending on the testing procedure, most commonly water or
air, the plumber would have several choices depending on his or her
available stock. The choices would be, either screwing in a pipe
with a water fitting, screwing in a pipe with an air fitting and
test gauge or screwing in a water or air fitting manufactured with
a tapered F.I.P. thread.
[0046] The primary purpose of this fitting 38 is to enable a
plumber who is testing a plumbing system to fill and drain a
plumbing system through this fitting 38. Any commercially available
water hose bib, valve, air fitting or test gauge would be adaptable
to the standard tapered F.I.P. thread 44 molded in this embodiment.
Having the dual cap 14 with a fitting 38 would give the plumber a
multitude of filling, draining, testing and capping possibilities
with less inventory on their vehicle or job site. It would also
allow the wholesalers, retailer and building centers to offer more
capping options with better use of valuable shelf and storage
space.
[0047] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an alternate embodiment to
FIGS. 6 and 7 is illustrated. The alternate embodiment of FIG. 9
would have a fitting 46 preferably constructed, but not limited to,
brass, metal or plastic. This fitting 46 would be molded and/or
locked in place by the use of threads, lock nuts 40 and washers 42.
The pipe 48 running through the center of the fitting 46 may be a
single caste embodiment or a pipe with continual diameter threads
50 locked in place with lock nuts 40 and washers 42. At the ends of
this pipe 48 would be standard tapered M.I.P. threads 50. The
tapered M.I.P. thread 50 would protrude both ends of the cap 14.
The plumber could then screw a commercially available water hose
bib, valve, air fitting or test gauge to the tapered M.I.P. thread
50 for testing, filling and draining the system being served.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 10, this embodiment utilizes the same
idea of the dual sized end caps 10-14 previously described, but in
an alternate configuration. The left side of this illustration
shows the outer bottom of the single membrane 26. This dual sized
cap 16 includes a first cylindrical wall 22 extending from the
membrane 26. A second cylindrical wall 24 of greater diameter
extends from the membrane 26, typically at the periphery thereof,
on the same side of the membrane 26 as the first wall 22 to form a
larger diameter cap 24. The smaller and larger pipe ends would be
inserted from the right in this particular illustration. The
smaller diameter cap 22 would be centered in the larger diameter
cap 24 and extend just far enough so as to accept a worm drive
clamp 28. The single membrane 26 would be the stopping point for
both inserted pipe ends. When a larger pipe is being capped, the
smaller cap 22 would slide into the inside diameter or interior of
the pipe, as it butts up against the single membrane 26. When a
smaller pipe diameter is being capped, the pipe would be inserted
into the smaller diameter cap 22 and butt up against the same
single membrane 26. The material and fasteners would be that of the
embodiment described in FIG. 1.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 11, this dual sized cap 16 embodiment
is that of FIG. 10 with the exception of the filler and drain
fitting 38 or 46 which is described in FIGS. 6-9. FIG. 11 more
clearly shows the single membrane 26 on the left and two pipe
diameter end caps 22 and 24 on the right. FIG. 11 also illustrates
that it would only be necessary for the filler and drainage fitting
assembly 38 to be accessible from the left side, or more clearly
the side with no cap openings. This particular cap 16 could be
offered in several variations, with reference to FIG. 10, without a
filler and drainage assembly, with reference to FIG. 11, with a
M.I.P. filler and drainage assembly and with reference to FIG. 6,
with an F.I.P. filler and drainage assembly. This cap 16 can also
be offered in a rubber material with a worm drive clamp 28 or in a
tapered or compression female thread in both brass and steel, both
being reusable for many applications.
[0050] With reference to FIG. 12, a dual sized cap 18 is shown
which is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 in that it
has a first wall 22 extending from the membrane 26 to form a first
cylindrical cap of smaller diameter, and a second cylindrical wall
24 extending from the periphery of the membrane 26 so as to form a
second cap of larger diameter which is concentric to the smaller
cap 22. In this illustration, both pipe ends would enter from the
left and butt on the single membrane 26 to the right. The smaller
diameter cap 22 would be centered in the larger diameter cap 24
using the single membrane 26 as the stop for both pipe end
diameters. The interior cap diameter wall 22 is a continual
cylindrical diameter from the entry point of the pipe to the center
membrane 26. Both walls 22 and 24 terminate flush, as shown at the
left side of illustrations in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. This particular
cap 18 will be constructed of copper and a variety of plastics.
This cap 18 is primarily designed to accommodate solder or solvent
weld piping, as referenced in FIG. 4, and to be fastened by means
of either solder weld or solvent welds.
[0051] With reference to FIG. 13, alternatively, the dual sized cap
18 has tapered F.I.P. threads 52 and is constructed of plastic,
steel or brass. This dual sized cap 18 could be altered to accept a
filler and drainage fitting assembly 38 or 46 located on the center
of the single membrane 26. This can be accomplished by tapping a
tapered F.I.P. thread through the membrane wall and screwing a
tapered M.I.P. threaded pipe, fitting or valve into the F.I.P. tap
and tightening.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 14, a dual sized cap 20 which is
designed to accept both pipe diameters from the same side with two
different termination points is illustrated. This cap 20 has a two
level stepped design. The smaller diameter wall 22 steps up to the
larger diameter wall 24. The butt point of the small diameter wall
22 rests on the single membrane 26 located on the far left of the
illustration. The butt point of the larger diameter wall 24 rests
on the ledge 54 of the step that increases the cap 20 to the next
size. The dual sized cap 20 can have smooth inner surfaces, as
illustrated in FIG. 17, for connection to pipes having smooth ends,
or include female internal threads 56, as illustrated in FIG. 15,
for attachment to tapered pipe threads or compression pipe
threads.
[0053] The cap 20 in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 can be manufactured in
many materials, size variations and fastening variations. For
example, copper, brass, steel, plastic and rubber. These caps 20
can be fastened to all of the pipe materials mentioned in the
illustrated descriptions, for example, but not limited to, tapered
pipe threads, compression pipe threads, solvent (glue) weld, solder
weld and rubber with a worm drive clamp 28.
[0054] With reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, a filler and drain
assembly 46 is located in the center of the membrane 26. This
assembly 46 is similar to that of FIG. 11. The filler and drain
assembly 46 will either be molded in place and/or locked in place
by the use of continual threads, lock nuts 40 and washers 42 made
of plastic brass or metal. This assembly 46 can either furnish a
tapered M.I.P. thread or a tapered F.I.P. thread to the
installer.
[0055] In general, all the dual caps 10-20 of the present invention
are efficient, convenient and practicable. They will be
cost-effective due to their reusability, even in the usage of a
permanent weld as the cap 10-20 can be cut from the system and the
alternate remaining size used for the second application. Because
the dual size cap 10-20 only covers two pipe sizes, there will be
little wasted material when the cap 10-20 is used in a permanent
application. They will not only condense inventories for trades'
persons, at job sites, in vehicle and in shop storage, but also on
retailer and wholesaler shelves and in storage facilities. They
will offer the professional plumber a more diverse capping and
testing product than is currently available, simplifying the
process of terminating and testing piping systems. The variations
of the dual sized caps 10-20 will allow for all commercially
available pipe size increments and materials to be manufactured in
a dual cap configuration, preferably in a sequential order, which
will allow all types of contractors, not only plumbers, the
convenience of these products. The dual sized caps 10-20 can also
be designed to accommodate pipe sizes that will require a
non-sequential order depending upon the material, wall thickness
required, pipe size increments, etc. Homeowners and handy persons
will also benefit. It will remove the guesswork of the untrained
eye to choose from the vast quantity of similar pipe sizes commonly
used. These products will be made from a variety of materials
depending on their specific use, and wall thickness depending upon
their purpose. They will vary in color depending on their material
make-up. The color may be enhanced for ease of location on a dimly
lit job situation or location or for marketing appeal.
[0056] Although several embodiments have been described in some
detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be
made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
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